Michigan State, Rwanda collaborate on women in agribusiness

Michigan State University and the University of Rwanda are teaming up to start a master of science degree program aimed at helping women in the East African nation get a stronger foothold in agribusiness.

The first students begin classes in February in the capital of Kigali under the program, jointly developed with funding from the U.S. Agency for International Development.

Rwanda is the most densely populated country in mainland Africa, about the size of Maryland but with a population of 12 million. Last year, it marked the 20th anniversary of a 100-day genocide in which majority Hutus killed about 1 million people, mainly members of the Tutsi minority.

Officials say they hope the program makes a significant contribution to developing Rwanda’s rich agricultural potential.